Local fauna

CHOM DONG VILLA AND GARDEN

Local fauna

In the rainy season, bird-life is most abundant – the red-wattled lapwing can be heard with its distinctive cry which has given rise to its Thai name ‘kratae-tae-waed’, and hoopoe, even the occasional kingfisher or egret frequent the water’s edge. Wild fowls come down from the hill. More common are magpies and turtle doves. Owls and nightjars can be heard in the evenings.

Herd of topiary elephants

The lower reservoir in particular is a breeding ground for species of frogs and toads and after a rainfall their noise reaches symphonic level. They also attract some snakes - part of the checks and balances of nature. Other garden residents comprise of cicadas, species of butterflies and insects including occasionally the beautiful emerald jewel beetles, while the Villa is home to geckos which are found in all parts of Thailand.

Thai dog

Leader of the troupe

Red ant colonies

Grass snake

Iguana

Local elephant with topiary elephant

Three wise monkeys from Khao Hin Lek Fai

There have been a few recent additions to the wildlife at Chom Dong; a gift of a pair of peafowls and four peacock chicks from the chief abbot at the nearby Wat Suk Samran, and a family of breeding wild rabbits.

‘Caruso’ our house gecko

Wild rabbit

Ceramic snail planters made by local potter

Bronze garden frog

Keeping a watchful eye on all this are the Villa’s Thai dogs, adopted when they were abandoned at a nearby Wat. When the mango trees are laden with fruits, around March, they are joined by a troop of macaque monkeys who make their home in a cave on Khao Hin Lek Fai.

Lapwing